K-3 vs. CR-1 for fastest entry

[marends 0]

My Chinese fiancee and I were previously approved for a K-1, but unfortunately she couldn't come. We got a 6-month extension, but still she was unable to come (family issues). When we requested a second extension, Guangzhou said "Sorry, you'll have to apply for a new visa." So now we've decided to just get married in China, and we're debating whether to do a K-3 or a CR-1. Question: Which is faster to gain entry into the U.S.? I understand that we'll have to adjust status, etc., with a K-3 once she's here, whereas adjustment isn't necessary with the CR-1, but for us the extra time once she's here for AOS, green card, SSN, etc., doesn't really matter because we'll at least be together for all of that. The most important thing is to finally be together as soon as possible. So which is faster for entry, a K-3 or a CR-1? Many thanks. I've also posted this topic on CandleForLove.

[SunDrop 59]

General consensus is that the K3 is faster by about 30 days for entry but longer for GC due to the need to apply for AOS once entered. From the sounds of things, K3 is the way you probably want to go but have you tried looking at the processing times for your specific USEM/ Consulate for the different visas? Should get an idea from there...

[marends 0]

General consensus is that the K3 is faster by about 30 days for entry but longer for GC due to the need to apply for AOS once entered. From the sounds of things, K3 is the way you probably want to go but have you tried looking at the processing times for your specific USEM/ Consulate for the different visas? Should get an idea from there...

good thought. Thanks. I'll check the specific processing times.

[R de la R 2]

My Chinese fiancee and I were previously approved for a K-1, but unfortunately she couldn't come. We got a 6-month extension, but still she was unable to come (family issues). When we requested a second extension, Guangzhou said "Sorry, you'll have to apply for a new visa." So now we've decided to just get married in China, and we're debating whether to do a K-3 or a CR-1. Question: Which is faster to gain entry into the U.S.? I understand that we'll have to adjust status, etc., with a K-3 once she's here, whereas adjustment isn't necessary with the CR-1, but for us the extra time once she's here for AOS, green card, SSN, etc., doesn't really matter because we'll at least be together for all of that. The most important thing is to finally be together as soon as possible. So which is faster for entry, a K-3 or a CR-1? Many thanks. I've also posted this topic on CandleForLove.

If I were you I would file for a CR-1, K3 is faster but then the AOS takes some time.

I didn't know about the CR-1 before we were approved because I didn't read enough here

[marends 0]

My Chinese fiancee and I were previously approved for a K-1, but unfortunately she couldn't come. We got a 6-month extension, but still she was unable to come (family issues). When we requested a second extension, Guangzhou said "Sorry, you'll have to apply for a new visa." So now we've decided to just get married in China, and we're debating whether to do a K-3 or a CR-1. Question: Which is faster to gain entry into the U.S.? I understand that we'll have to adjust status, etc., with a K-3 once she's here, whereas adjustment isn't necessary with the CR-1, but for us the extra time once she's here for AOS, green card, SSN, etc., doesn't really matter because we'll at least be together for all of that. The most important thing is to finally be together as soon as possible. So which is faster for entry, a K-3 or a CR-1? Many thanks. I've also posted this topic on CandleForLove.

If I were you I would file for a CR-1, K3 is faster but then the AOS takes some time.

I didn't know about the CR-1 before we were approved because I didn't read enough here

The AOS isn't much of a concern for us because we would already be together.......but it is something to consider if entry time for K-3 vs. CR-1 is a difference of only about a month. Can somebody point me in the right direction about how to find specific processing times for the Guangzhou Consulate for K-3 vs CR-1?

[Terca 6]

From what I have read the K-3 is supposed to be faster, but a lot of people are complaining that it is currently taking almost as long as the cr-1...

[gogo 6]

huh.. you wasted your visa approval.. even though it was for a K1.. but still.....you know how many people are waiting for that? :wacko:

Edited December 23, 2008 by gogo

[marends 0]

huh.. you wasted your visa approval.. even though it was for a K1.. but still.....you know how many people are waiting for that? :wacko:

true. We kick ourselves everyday for that, but what's done is done. Now we're just moving forward.

[payxibka 10,048]

General consensus is that the K3 is faster by about 30 days for entry but longer for GC due to the need to apply for AOS once entered. From the sounds of things, K3 is the way you probably want to go but have you tried looking at the processing times for your specific USEM/ Consulate for the different visas? Should get an idea from there...

good thought. Thanks. I'll check the specific processing times.

in Guangzhou the timing might not be so different.... nothing is fast in China

[Terca 6]

huh.. you wasted your visa approval.. even though it was for a K1.. but still.....you know how many people are waiting for that? :wacko:

They did not plan to waste it. I recall reading the reason in older posts and it was very unfortunate.

huh.. you wasted your visa approval.. even though it was for a K1.. but still.....you know how many people are waiting for that? :wacko:

true. We kick ourselves everyday for that, but what's done is done. Now we're just moving forward.

ooops seems I confused users then!

[gogo 6]

I didn't mean it in a bad way.. sorry... just that I would trade a lot of things just to have her here now.. especially during Christmas time.. :crying:

Edited December 23, 2008 by gogo

[Terca 6]

I didn't mean it in a bad way.. sorry... just that I would trade a lot of things just to have her here now.. especially during Christmas time.. :crying:

I didn't mean to imply anything either!

just that I would trade a lot of things just to have her here now..

p.s imagine me! i haven't even started my paperwork yet

[SunDrop 59]

Look at the menu at the top under Immigration Timelines.

CR1 stats: On the basis of filing through the CSC and the non USC being in China, you're looking at an average of 174 days to getting your NOA2 and 232 days to consulate interview from NOA2.

K3 stats: Same basis, average of 146 days to NOA2 and 84 days from NVC to interview.

Though being fair to the statistics, there's a flaw for comparative purposes because the CR1 doesn't show the days being the CSC approving (NOA2) and the time spent at NVC for the security checks. In other words, if the K3 takes 90 days at NVC, then you're looking at a faster total time by roughy 30 days for the CR1.

[YuAndDan 153]

K-3 may be 30 days quicker but has the down side of costing more than CR-1, and also has the down side of not being work-authorized, and has to wait 90 days or so to get EAD, and longer to get a green-card. CR-1 gets green-card upon entry to the USA allowing work and getting SSN.

This is a very common topic.

Also covered in one of your prior posts. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=2286229

[gogo 6]

I'll take 232 total days to finish anytime.. I guess I'm helping to "increase" the average